You're probably well versed in the art of pressing fillets down with your fish spatula after they hit the pan, to keep the skin in close contact with the pan for a crispy, crunchy finish.

Earlier this year, James Briscione, director of culinary development at the Institute of Culinary Education and author of The Flavor Matrix, stopped by the Test Kitchen to demonstrate a recipe (seared snapper with Granny Smith, strawberries and basil salsa) and both he and Food & Wine Culinary Director Justin Chapple agreed not only that a fish spatula is an essential tool for cooking seafood, but also that applying pressure right after the fish hits the pan is a crucial move.

Instead, slide the spatula under the skinny end of the fillet, to create some distance between the meat and the pan. The distance will keep that section from cooking too fast, giving the rest of the fillet time to catch up. That's it. It's that simple.

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Since I tend to make a lot of seafood anyway, but especially during the summer, I've tried this little tidbit out a few times recently, and it works like a charm, whether I'm making one of my favorite easy salmon recipes or trying some a little different.

Try it out with one of these fast fish recipes, or any time you're worried about uneven cooking.